Ivymount Benefit Auction Recap

Our 17th Ivymount Benefit Auction, held last month at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C., was a night to remember. We are so grateful to the 400+ attendees for making the evening – complete with great music, fabulous food and drinks, moving speeches and videos, and lively bidding – a spectacular success. For the tenth consecutive auction, we cleared well over $250,000.

The biggest attractions in the live auction included a pair of Hamilton tickets - which generously became three pair of tickets - raising a combined $12,000 for the school. Trips to France, Italy, and Cuba were especially popular, as well,as were the large canvases created by Ivymount student artists. This year’s Wall of Wine sold out in record time and the donations to our Fund-a-Cause were a wonderful way to end the special evening.

“We are grateful for all of the work that our Auction committee members, Board Members, parents, and sponsors put into this event. Not only did they give their time, but many donated tickets, gift certificates, wine, and experiences for our auction. Having so many people come together to support our programs is a real cause for celebration,” said Jan Wintrol, CEO of the Ivymount Corporation.

One of the highlights of the evening was honoring long-time Ivymount friend and supporter, George J. Pedersen, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-founder of ManTech International Corporation. For over thirty years, George has been a leading and unfailing advocate for our students.By helping to establish our School-to-Work program, George has helped open mainstream workplaces to students with disabilities, an extraordinary gift to Ivymount and the community.

At this auction for the first time, several Ivymount student volunteers joined the event as greeters. “Having students participate in our biggest fundraiser was a wonderful addition to the evening. They did a fabulous job of welcoming our guests. Our student artwork for the auction, as well as the student-made centerpieces, have long been traditions during this event, but having students join in the event was special for everyone,” said Nicole Carr, Director of Development and Communications.

Toward the end of the evening, Auction Co-Chairs Jen Berzok and Lisa Cordell gave memorable, heart-felt speeches about their families and then introduced the Ivymount Thank You video, a thoughtful segue into the Fund-a-Cause, the final event of theevening.

“The support we raised through Fund-a-Cause will make a significant contribution to our staff compensation fund,” said Susan Holt, Director of the Ivymount School. “Ivymount’s success is due to the distinction of our staff. Our teachers, therapists and administrators do the hard work every day to create extraordinary results for our students and these funds help retain and better compensate them.”